Rio Ferdinand claims Manchester United still need three new starters

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that the Red Devils need to add three new starters to their squad before they can be regarded as title challengers.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men survived an early scare against Bournemouth as goals from Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes gave United a 5-2 win over the Cherries on Saturday.

That result leaves the in-form Red Devils firmly in the argument for a Champions League spot as they lie fifth in the table, but Ferdinand has expressed his belief that the 20-time English champions are in need of further signings if they are to compete for Premier League glory.

"They need to add three starters minimum. They definitely need a centre-back with pace. They've invested heavily in Harry Maguire, but he's not someone blessed with pace," Ferdinand told BT Sport.

"He's got other attributes you like but you need someone with pace to sit alongside him and cover.

"I think they need another midfielder to go in there who can dominate physically and can actually understand defensive positions. I think yes, Scott McTominay has been a fantastic addition as a young player, but someone with a bit of experience as well.

"And I think even in the forward areas another player who can rival that front three."

United's victory over Bournemouth stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 16 matches, and Solskjaer's side are two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea after 33 matches.